Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Does the person who shares your bed complain about your snoring? Do you often feel tired and lack energy? These are signs that you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea. At Le Dentiste, we can help you deal with these problems and their consequences for your health, your quality of life and that of your partner.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring: Why Does it Happen?
Snoring occurs when air has to “push” through the pharynx, causing the airways to vibrate abnormally.
This produces the distinctive sound of snoring, which can be louder or softer depending on the effort required to move air in and out of the lungs. This phenomenon is accentuated when breathing is done through the mouth rather than the nose, but is mainly due to a mechanical narrowing or obstruction of the airways.
Snoring is often linked to sleep apnea, a condition also caused by obstruction of the airways. Severe sleep apnea can lead to a complete cessation of breathing over a period of time. This apnea is often followed by an arousal (or micro-arousal) to restore breathing. This sequence can be repeated up to 100 times during the night. Several factors contribute to these sleep disorders.
Simple In-Clinic Treatment
Snoring should not be taken lightly. And not just because it can cause problems for couples! In fact, it requires a certain amount of attention given its links with sleep apnea, a condition that can lead to a number of consequences: high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes, increased risk of road and work accidents, depression and so on. To counter these problems, there are various solutions, one of which is offered in dental clinics: the mandibular advancement orthosis (MAO). These custom-made splints open up the airways by pushing the mandible, tongue and other tissues forward. This limits the mechanical obstruction that causes snoring and sleep apnea.
Some Causes of Snoring and Sleep Apnea
- Anatomical Factors: These include an abnormally long soft palate, enlarged tonsils, deviated nasal passages or an overbite;
- Obesity: This can lead to slackening of the tissues or narrowing of the airways. Breathing then becomes less fluid, or even difficult;
- Health Conditions: Sleep apnea is linked to diabetes, for example;
- Respiratory Disorders: Whether viral (colds, flu, etc.) or chronic, these can cause nasal obstruction, forcing mouth breathing;
- Alcohol, Medication and drugs: These contribute to loosening of the tongue and throat tissues, making it harder for air to reach the lungs.
If you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea or a prescription for snoring, visit us in Town of Mount Royal to enjoy the benefits of a mandibular advancement orthosis.
Personalized Follow-Up for Better Sleep
OAM is often prescribed to control simple snoring or low- to moderate-intensity sleep apnea. It can also be proposed to more severe patients who are unable to adapt to CPAP. At Le Dentiste, we can design an appliance to suit your physiognomy and dentition, whether complete or incomplete. We'll also help you get used to wearing your brace and ensure that it has little or no impact on your teeth.
Request an Appointment
Getting an appointment at Le Dentiste is easy! Our clinics accept new patients. Fill out the form below, then our team will call you back as soon as possible to schedule your visit.
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